Artificial Intelligence: Fr. Casalone at the USG Assembly — “The technological question is spiritual and concerns the human being”

"Speaking about technology means speaking about what it means to be human." This reminder came from Fr. Carlo Casalone during his address today at the USG Assembly in Sacrofano, where he emphasized that "the technological question is, by its very nature, spiritual." The Jesuit identified two major risks: "the erosion of trust" and the "loss of attention and memory," both of which undermine "our capacity for inner connection." He also noted that the digital world "has a powerful attractive force" and generates "dependence," acting "on dopaminergic circuits" and fueling "polarization, habituation, narcissism, and unhappiness." Fr. Casalone referred to studies showing that "false news travels faster online," and explained that the pervasive use of technology entails "the user's prior identification" and "submission to procedure," producing a "fundamental automatism" whereby "one turns to the machine to solve problems, answer questions, and satisfy desires." The Jesuit warned against attributing "disproportionate value" to the machine, reminding listeners that AI "can give the illusion of speaking" but remains "a pale reflection of humanity." Finally, he proposed prayer as a way to "remain human," through "discernment," "care for the inner life," "awareness of the body," and "contemplation," which "allows access to reality" and enables one "to recognize the work of God in personal and communal history."

Article by Riccardo Benotti (SIR News Agency)